Friday, June 12

Blues v Highlanders, Eden Park, Auckland

Head-to-head: Played 25, Blues 15, Highlanders 10

In Auckland: Played 12, Blues 10, Highlanders 2

Last clash: Round 10, 2015 - Highlanders 30-24 Blues, Dunedin

Key Stats

• The Blues have won six of their past seven at home to the Highlanders, and have only lost twice at home to the Dunedin-based side in Super Rugby - winning 10.
• The Blues boast the best tackle success in Super Rugby this season (88%).
• The Blues (9.1) and Highlanders (9.2) have won fewer penalties than any other team this season.

Line-ups

• Blues:Charles Piutau; Ben Lam, Hamish Northcott, George Moala, Melani Nanai; Ihaia West, Jamison Gibson-Park; Joe Edwards, Brendon O'Connor, Chris Vui; Josh Bekhuis, Hayden Triggs; Angus Ta'avao, Keven Mealamu (captain), Sam Prattley Replacements: James Parsons, Nic Mayhew, Sione Mafileo, Will Lloyd, Jack Ram, Jimmy Cowan, Matt McGahan, Lolagi Visinia
• Highlanders:Ben Smith (captain); Waisake Naholo, Richard Buckman, Shaun Treeby, Patrick Osborne; Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Dan Pryor, John Hardie, Elliot Dixon; Joe Latta, Alex Ainley; Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown Replacements: Ash Dixon, Brendon Edmonds, Ross Geldenhuys, Jackson Hemopo, Gareth Evans, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Kurt Baker

Injuries/Unavailable

• Blues: Luke Braid (Concussion, Season), Jerome Kaino, Finger, Season), Steven Luatua (Shoulder, Season), Hamish Northcott (Hamstring, Season), Patrick Tuipolotu (Hip, Season), Tony Woodcock (Shoulder, Season)
• Highlanders: Shane Christie (Hamstring, TBC), Malakai Fekitoa (Groin, Elimination Finals), Tom Franklin (Arm, Season), Kane Hames (Knee, TBC), Nasi Manu (Shoulder, TBC), Patrick Osborne (Calf, TBC), Hayden Parker (Shoulder, TBC), Mark Reddish (Hand, TBC), Josh Renton (Hamstring, TBC), Joe Wheeler (Knee, Season)

Team News

• Keven Mealamu leads the Blues in his 175th and final Super Rugby match, and fellow All Blacks hooker James Parsons will come off the bench for his 50th cap for the Blues. Charles Piutau returns from a five-week absence with a knee injury, and he and Brendon O'Connor and Jamison Gibson-Park start their final game for the Blues before heading overseas. The Blues have 12 players on the injury list and three more at the World Under-20 Championship in Italy so North Harbour forward Chris Vui makes his starting debut and former Tonga international Jack Ram moves onto the bench for the first time.
• The Highlanders have omitted Malakai Fektitoa from their matchday squad, the All Blacks centre ruled out with a groin injury. Jamie Joseph has otherwise recalled Ben Smith and Aaron Smith from the All Balcks-enforced rest, as expected, in making 10 positional and personnel changes to the team humbled by the Hurricanes in Napier. Daniel Lienert-Brown makes his first run-on appearance of the season in an all-new front-row, while Joe Latta makes his starting debut in the second-row and young Otago lock Jackson Hemopo is included in the squad for the first time to replace injured Tom Franklin. In the back-row, Elliot Dixon moves to blindside, Dan Pryor returns at number eight and Gareth Evans moves to the bench. Shaun Treeby will play his 50th game having been named to replace Fekiroa, while Patrick Osborne also returns.

Greg Growden's Verdict: Greg Growden writes: The Highlanders have their injury concerns, but it won't matter as they're playing the wonky Blues.

Tips - Greg Growden: Highlanders by 12 Sam Bruce Highlanders Brett McKay Highlanders Brittany Mitchell Highlanders Andy Withers Highlanders

Rebels v Force, AAMI Park, Melbourne

Head-to-head: Played 9, Rebels 7, Force 2

In Melbourne: Played 4, Rebels 3, Force 1

Last clash: Round 5, 2015 - Force 17-21 Rebels, Perth

Key Stats

• The Rebels have won their last four at home but they have never won five on the bounce in Melbourne.
• The Force average more time in possession (17m05s) this season than any other time, and boast the best ruck success in the competition (96%).
• The Force (13.1) and the Rebels (13.8) have conceded fewer turnovers per game than any other teams this season.

Line-ups

• Rebels: Mike Harris ; Bryce Hegarty, Dom Shipperley, Mitch Inman, Cam Crawford; Jack Debreczeni, Nic Stirzaker; Scott Higginbotham (captain), Colby Fainga'a, Sean McMahon; Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones; Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith Replacements: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Tim Metcher, Sam Jeffries, Scott Fuglistaller, Jordy Reid, Ben Meehan, Tom English
• Force:Dane Haylett-Petty; Luke Morahan, Marcel Brache, Kyle Godwin, Nick Cummins; Zack Holmes, Alby Mathewson; Angus Cottrell, Matt Hodgson (captain), Chris Alcock; Steve Mafi , Sam Wykes; Tetera Faulkner, Nathan Charles, Pekahou Cowan Replacements: Heath Tessmann , Chris Heiberg, Guy Millar, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Brynard Stander, Ryan Louwrens, Luke Burton, Patrick Dellit, Oliver Hoskins (two players to be omitted)

Injuries/Unavailable

• Rebels: Tamati Ellison (Groin, TBC), Sefa Naivalu (Leg, Season), Laurie Weeks (Suspension, Season)
• Force: Adam Coleman (Foot, Season), Ben McCalman (Cheek, Season), Francois van Wyk (Chest, Season)

Team News

• Tony McGahan has named an unchanged side as the rebels seek a fifth straight home victory.
• Angus Cottrell replaces Ben McCalman in the Force back-row, after the Wallabies No.8 was ruled out with a fractured cheekbone, while Chris Alcock starts at No.6. Steve Mafi returns to the starting line-up in place of Adam Coleman, who broke a toe during the week, while Tetera Faulkner has been reinstated at tight-head. Prop Oliver Hoskins, lock Wilhelm Steenkamp and back-rower Brynard Stander return to the squad as part of an extended bench, while Patrick Dellit is also in line to play his final match for the squad.

Greg Growden's Verdict: : The Rebels can do everyone a favour by pounding the Force, to remind them it's time to find a Plan B. What's best about this game is that it will be the last time in 2015 we have to endure the Force.

Tips - Greg Growden: Rebels by 17 Sam Bruce Rebels Brett McKay Rebels Brittany Mitchell Rebels Andy Withers Rebels

Saturday, June 13

Brumbies v Crusaders, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Head-to-head: Played 21, Brumbies 8, Crusaders 13

In Canberra: Played 10, Brumbies 6 , Crusaders 4

Last clash: Round 12, 2015 - Crusaders 40-20 Brumbies, Christchurch

Key Stats

• The Brumbies boast the best lineout success this season (92%), but the Crusaders have stolen more lineouts per game than any other team (2.5).
• The Crusaders have averaged more points per game than any other team this season (30) while the Brumbies have conceded the fewest (15).
• The Brumbies have scored the most tries in the opening quarter of their games this season (15) while the Crusaders have scored the most in the 20 minutes after half-time (20).

Line-ups

• Brumbies: Jesse Mogg; Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Robbie Coleman, Joe Tomane; Christian Lealiifano, Nic White; Ita Vaea, David Pockock, Scott Fardy; Blake Enever, Rory Arnold; Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore (captain), Scott Sio. Replacements: Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Ruan Smith, Jordan Smiler, Jarrad Butler, Michael Dowsett, Matt Toomua, James Dargaville.
• Crusaders:Tom Taylor; Jone Macilai, Ryan Crotty, David Havili, Nemani Nadolo; Dan Carter, Andy Ellis; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd; Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano; Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Ben Funnell, Alex Hodgman, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Jordan Taufua, Billy Guyton, Colin Slade, Nafi Tuitavake.

Injuries/Unavailable

• Brumbies: Fotua Auelua (Undisclosed, TBC), Sam Carter (Knee, Season), Sean Doyle (Undisclosed, TBC), Lausii Taliauli (Undisclosed, TBC)
• Crusaders: Israel Dagg (Calf, Season), Johnny McNicholl (Knee, Season), Joe Moody (Foot, Season), Tim Perry (Achilles, Season).

Team News

• Matt Toomua returns from his ankle injury via the bench after missing six of the Brumbies' past six matches.The Brumbies named an unchanged starting line-up despite Henry Speight rolling an ankle last weekend.
• The Crusaders are out of finals contention but they are desperate to finish with a win, seeing skipper Kieran Read return from concussion at No.8. His inclusions pushes Jordan Taufua to the bench while there are another two All Black returns with Sam Whitelock coming in at lock and Ryan Crotty returning at outside-centre.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Brumbies are chasing a major finals spot, and so will be desperately trying. They will have to, as the Crusaders are bound to be at their best, wanting to farewell Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw in style.

Tips - Greg Growden: Brumbies by 1 Sam Bruce Crusaders Brett McKay Brumbies Brittany Mitchell Brumbies Andy Withers Crusaders

Chiefs v Hurricanes, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

Head-to-head: Played 25, Chiefs 11, Hurricanes 13, Drawn 1

In New Plymouth: Played 1, Chiefs 1, Hurricanes 0

Last clash: Round 14, 2015 - Hurricanes 22-18 Chiefs, Wellington

Key Stats

• The Hurricanes have won six of their past seven against fellow New Zealanders despite holding a half-time lead in just three of those games.
• The Hurricanes have averaged the most metres (557), clean breaks (11.6) and defenders beaten this season (24.2). Also they are the only team in Super Rugby this season to have scored 100+ points in each quarter of their games.
• The Chiefs have made more offloads than any other team this season, averaging 17.3 per game.

Line-ups

• Chiefs: Tom Marshall; Bryce Heem, Charlie Ngatai, Sonny Bill Williams, James Lowe/Hosea Gear; Marty McKenzie, Brad Weber; Maama Vaipulu, Michael Leitch, Liam Messam (captain); Brodie Retallick, Matt Symons; Ben Tameifuna, Quentin MacDonald, Pauliasi Manu Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Siate Tokolahi, Jamie Mackintosh, Michael Fitzgerald, Mitchell Crosswell, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Damian McKenzie
• Hurricanes: Nehe Milner-Skudder; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (captain), Rey Lee-Lo, Julian Savea; James Marshall, TJ Perenara; Victor Vito, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields; Mark Abbott, Jeremy Thrush; Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes. Replacements: Brayden Mitchell, Chris Eves, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, James Broadhurst, Ardie Savea, Frae Wilson, Willis Halaholo, Sam McNicol

Injuries/Unavailable

• Chiefs: Michael Allardice (Knee, Season), Johan Bardoul (Knee, Season), Aaron Cruden (Knee, Season), Nathan Harris (Ankle, TBC), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Knee, Season), Tevita Koloamatangi (Ankle, Season)
• Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett (Calf, TBC), Jason Woodward (Ankle, Season)

Team News

• The Chiefs have made multiple changes, with Pauliasi Manu, Quentin MacDonald and Ben Tameifuna in an all-new front row - Hika Elliot being rested, and lock Matt Symons returning to the run-on side. Michael Leitch shift to flanker, replacing Sam Cane who takes his second pre-arranged break, with Maama Vaipulu at No.8. Brad Weber takes over the starting halfback duties this week, while Sonny Bill Williams makes his long awaited return to rugby and will be joined by James Lowe or Hosea Gear on the wing. Seven different players are added to the reserves.
• The Hurricanes have lost Beauden Barrett to a calf strain, just one week after he returned from a month's absence with a knee injury. James Marshall shifts from fullback to first five-eighth, with Nehe Milner-Skudder shifting to the back after three straight games on the wing. All Blacks veteran Cory Jane returns from three weeks sidelined by a hamstring strain to play on the right wing. Ardie Savea and James Broadhurst are are benched to ease their workload ahead of the finals, replaced by Callum Gibbins and lock Mark Abbott, while Brad Shields comes in for Blade Thomson on the blindside flank.

Greg Growden's Verdict: The Hurricanes are firmly settled at the top of the New Zealand conference, while the Chiefs will be wanting to keep making big strides before the finals. The Chiefs showed against the Reds last weekend they don't need a glut of possession to dominate

Tips - Greg Growden: Chiefs by 2 Sam Bruce Chiefs Brett McKay Hurricanes Brittany Mitchell Hurricanes Andy Withers Chiefs

Waratahs v Reds, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Head-to-head: Played 24, Waratahs 10, Reds 13, Drawn 1

In Sydney: Played 11, Waratahs 5, Reds 6

Last clash: Round 4, 2015 - Reds 5-23 Waratahs, Brisbane

Key Stats

• Only the Force have a worse goal-kicking success rate than the Reds (60%) and the Waratahs (66%) this season.
• The Waratahs have scored the most first-phase tries this season (22), and only the Cheetahs have conceded more than the Reds (22).
• Israel Folau (205), Kurtley Beale (204) and Bernard Foley (170) are three of the top four ball carriers in Super Rugby this season; Folau (36) and Beale (30) also rank first and second for offloads.

Line-ups

• Waratahs: Israel Folau; Taqele Naiyaravoro, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Matt Carraro; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper, Jacques Potgieter; David Dennis (captain), Will Skelton; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson Replacements: Hugh Roach, Jeremy Tilse, Paddy Ryan, Mitchell Chapman, Dean Mumm, Stephen Hoiles, Brendan McKibbin, Peter Betham

• Reds: James O'Connor; Chris Kuridrani, Karmichael Hunt, Samu Kerevi, Lachie Turner; Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Adam Thomson; James Horwill, Rob Simmons; Greg Holmes, James Hanson, James Slipper (captain) Replacements: Saia Fainga'a, Pettowa Paraka, Sam Talakai, Ed O'Donoghue, Beau Robinson, Hendrik Tui, Nick Frisby, Jake McIntyre, Ben Tapuai, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi (two players to be omitted)

Injuries/Unavailable

• Waratahs: Sitatolu Latu (Suspension, Semi-final)
• Reds: Curtis Browning (Knee, Season), Ben Daley (Shoulder, Season), Chris Feauai-Sautia (Concussion, Season), Eddie Quirk (Knee, Season)

Team News

• Tatafu Polota-Nau returns after more than a month on the sidelines due to concussion-related problems, the Wallabies hooker one of two changes to the Waratahs side alongside Will Skelton. The lock returns from suspension.
• James Horwill and Will Genia will each make their final appearance for Queensland Reds in the team's 300th fixture against New South Wales Waratahs, with Richard Graham making just one change to his starting side. Chris Kuridrani returns to to play his first game of Super Rugby in three weeks, replacing concussed winger Chris Feauai-Sautia.

Greg Growden's Verdict: If the Waratahs don't win this by plenty, they are kidding themselves.

Tips - Greg Growden: Waratahs by 20 Sam Bruce Waratahs Brett McKay Waratahs Brittany Mitchell Waratahs Andy Withers Waratahs

Bulls v Cheetahs, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria

Head-to-head: Played 14, Bulls 13, Cheetahs 1

In Pretoria: Played 6, Bulls 6, Cheetahs 0

Last clash: Round 4, 2015 - Cheetahs 20-39 Bulls, Bloemfontein

Key Stats

• The Bulls have won their past five at home, while the Cheetahs have lost five of their past six on the road. The Bulls have also won the past six at home to the Cheetahs after losing the first fixture between the teams at Loftus.
• The Bulls have averaged the fewest offloads per game this season (5.5) while the Cheetahs have made the third fewest (7.6).
• The Bulls have conceded the equal-fewest tries in the final quarter of matches this season (6), while the Cheetahs have conceded the most (16).

Line-ups

• Bulls: Jesse Kriel ; Francois Hougaard, JJ Engelbrecht, Burger Odendaal, Travis Ismaiel; Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Rudy Paige; Pierre Spies (captain), Jacques du Plessis, Arno Botha; Grant Hattingh, Flip van der Merwe; Marcel van der Merwe, Adriaan Strauss, Morne Mellett Replacements: Callie Visagie, Trevor Nyakane, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Roelof Smit, Bjorn Basson, Tian Schoeman, Jurgen Visser, Werner Kruger
• Cheetahs: Willie le Roux; Clayton Blommetjies, Francois Venter, Ryno Benjamin, Sergeal Petersen; Niel Marais, Sarel Pretorius; Niell Jordaan, Henco Venter, Boom Prinsloo; Francois Uys (captain), Carl Wegner; Maks van Dyk, Torsten van Jaarsveld, BG Uys Replacements: Elandré Huggett, Danie Mienie, Ewald vd Westhuizen, Steven Sykes, Gerhard Olivier, Oupa Mohoje, Renier Botha, Coenie van Wyk

Injuries/Unavailable

• Bulls: Lappies Labuschagne (Larynx, Season), Bandis Maku (Chest, Season), Duncan Matthews (Knee, Season), Ryan Nell (Knee, Season), Pierre Schoeman (Knee, Season), Jan Serfontein (Knee, Indefinite), Ruan Steenkamp (Knee, Season), Piet van Zyl (Knee, Season)
• Cheetahs: Heinrich Brüssow (Arm, Season), Lood de Jager (Elbow, TBC), Armandt Koster (Back, TBC), Hilton Lobberts (Knee, TBC), Raymond Rhule (Knee, Season), Willem Serfontein (Knee, Season), Elgar Watts (Knee, Season)

Team News

• Frans Ludeke has made four changes as a result of injury and the SARU rest agreement, the combination of which has ruled all of Jan Serfontein, Handre Pollard, Deon Stegmann, Dean Greyling, Victor Matfield and Lappies Labuschagne out of contention for the final match of the tournament. Matfield is replaced by Grant Hattingh, and Labuschagne by Arno Botha at flank, while Greyling's place will be taken by Morne Mellett. Adriaan Strauss, who was rested last weekend against the Rebels, is back at hooker, with Callie Visagie moving to the bench. Ludeke also called Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg and Roelof Smit into the squad again to cover for Deon Stegmann and Hattingh.
• Willie le Roux will play his final game for the Cheetahs before moving to the Sharks via Canon Eagle in Japan, the Springboks full-back recovering from an ankle injury to replace Coenie van Wyk, who move to the bench. Henco Venter moves up from the bench to pull on the No.7 jumper, replacing Tienie Burger with Oupa Mohoje moves onto the pine. Sergeal Petersen moves from right to left wing, replacing Cornal Hendricks, with Clayton Blommetjies selected on the right wing. Renier Botha replaces Shaun Venter on reserve.

Greg Growden's Verdict: Home advantage. Nothing more.

Tips - Greg Growden: Bulls by 6 Sam Bruce Bulls Brett McKay Bulls Brittany Mitchell Bulls Andy Withers Bulls

Sharks v Stormers, Kings Park Stadium, Durban

Head-to-head: Played 23, Sharks 11, Stormers 12

In Durban: Played 11, Sharks 6, Stormers 5

Last clash: Round 4, 2015 - Stormers 29-13 Sharks, Cape Town

Key Stats

• The Stormers have conceded the fewest second-half tries in Super Rugby this season (11).
• The Sharks have the worst tackle success this season (83%), having missed more tackles per game than any other team this season (24).
• The Sharks' Marco Wentzel has won the most lineouts in this year's Super Rugby (64).

Line-ups

• Sharks: Lwazi Mvovo; Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Andre Esterhuizen, S'bura Sithole; Lionel Cronje, Stefan Ungerer; Renaldo Bothma, Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee; Marco Wentzel (captain), Etienne Oosthuizen; Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira Replacements: Franco Marais, Dale Chadwick, Lourens Adriaanse, Lubabalo Mtyanda, Khaya Majola, Conrad Hoffmann, Fred Zeilinga, Heimar Williams
• Stormers: Robert du Preez; Johnny Kotze, Huw Jones, Jaco Taute, Pat Howard; Kurt Coleman, Louis Schreuder; Nizaam Carr (captain), Michael Rhodes, Sikhumbuzo Notshe; Ruan Botha, Jean Kleyn; Vincent Koch, Michael Willemse, Oli Kebble Replacements: Neil Rautenbach, Ali Vermaak, Wilco Louw, Jan de Klerk, Siya Kolisi, Godlen Masimla, Seabelo Senatla, Kobus van Wyk

Injuries/Unavailable

• Sharks: Stephen Lewies (Knee, Season), Tera Mtembu (Knee, Season), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Knee, Season), Frans Steyn (Chest, Season)
• Stormers: Rynhardt Elstadt (Hand, Season)

Team News

• Springboks forwards Willem Alberts and Janie and Bismarck du Plessis all make their final start for the Sharks, while Marcell Coetzee returns from his Springboks rest ro replace Khaya Majola in the back-row. Alberts also returns to the back-row, with Etienne Oosthuizen moving into the second-row to replace benched Mouritz Botha.
• Nizaam Carr captains the Stormers for the first time as the only surviving starting player from his team's 19-19 draw against the Lions. There are three debutants in the matchday 23, namely Robert du Preez at No.15, and flanker Sikhumbuzo Notshe and hooker Michael Willemse each making their first starting appearance. Lock Jan de Klerk and scrum-half Godlen Masimla will be looking to earn their first caps from the bench.

Greg Growden's Verdict: : The Sharks have been the great disappointments of the tournament; and even at home they will struggle against their finals bound opponents.

Tips - Greg Growden: Stormers by 3 Sam Bruce Sharks Brett McKay Stormers Brittany Mitchell Stormers Andy Withers Sharks